High school biotech competitions and programs give interested youth a springboard into the realm of scholarly inquiry, along with lab and research skills, and a transcript-boosting experience for college applications. In many cases, students experience mentoring, hands-on experiments, experience presenting their results, and grow their understanding of the scientific process and critical thinking ability as participants. Many competitions and programs offer the flexibility of year-round possibilities, placement around the world and monetary benefits in the case of scholarships or cash award opportunities. The following 9 programs, with applications ranging from molecular genetics to space biology, are good places for high school students to explore and develop their biotech interests and capacities.
1. BIOTech Futures
BIOTech Futures empowers high school teams to tackle real-world biotech issues, guided by academic or industry mentors. Over months, students explore fields like neuroscience, sustainability, or synthetic biology through experimental design and data analysis. They present findings as posters at regional or national symposiums. Participants gain presentation experience, STEM networking, and tech awards.
Location: Australia & Online
Program Dates: October–March
Cost: Varies by region (some free)
Eligibility: Grades 9–12 worldwide
Deadline: Usually September
Scholarships: Available regionally
2. Regeneron Science Talent Search
Regeneron STS, America’s premier high school science competition, challenges seniors to submit original research papers. Selected students receive $2,000 finalists awards, with 40 finalists invited to Washington, D.C. to compete for up to $250,000. Participants gain mentorship, rigorous review, and national recognition—ideal for those serious about biotech or molecular research.
Location: U.S.-based (global applicants accepted)
Program Dates: October submission–March finalists
Cost: Free
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents, grades 11–12
Deadline: Single annual deadline (usually mid-November)
Scholarships: Awards range $2,000–$250,000
3. iGEM High School Track
iGEM High School teams conceive, design, and engineer genetically modified organisms with a societal impact. Working year-round, they source parts, conduct lab work, collaborate with peers, and document on public wikis. Teams present at their national jamboree or the global Giant Jamboree.
Location: Global (virtual and in-person)
Program Dates: September–November
Cost: ~€200–€400 per student (varies)
Eligibility: Students 15–18 in teams of 4–6
Deadline: Late summer registration
Scholarships: Team-specific funding
4. Sanofi Biogenius Canada
This research-based biotech competition guides Canadian high school teams to propose and conduct hands-on projects. Mentored by university scientists or industry professionals, students work on molecular biology, biochemistry, or genetics. Regional winners compete nationally, with champions moving onto the international BioGENEius competition, offering internships and cash.
Location: Canada
Program Dates: September–May
Cost: Free
Eligibility: Canadian students in grades 11–12
Deadline: Regional registration (varies)
Scholarships: Several awards and internships
5. Zero Robotics
Zero Robotics invites global high school teams to program autonomous SPHERES satellites aboard the ISS. Over months, teams develop code, test simulations, and compete virtually, with top teams invited to live finals. The program blends coding, physics, and aerospace know-how.
Location: U.S., Europe, Australia
Program Dates: September–December
Cost: Free
Eligibility: Grades 8–12 students in teams
Deadline: Registration begins summer
Scholarships: Travel awards for finalists
6. Envirothon
Envirothon challenges students to tackle environmental science through hands‑on field stations—forestry, soils, wildlife, and a rotating issue. Teams compete locally, then regionally, then nationally in North America.
Location: North America
Program Dates: Spring through summer
Cost: Minimal team fees
Eligibility: Grades 9–12 teams
Deadline: Spring team registration
Scholarships: Awards for top teams
7. Teen Biotech Challenge – UC Davis
UC Davis invites high schoolers to submit biotech research posters in agriculture, health, or sustainability. Projects undergo peer and expert review. Winners are awarded scholarships, invited to present at UC Davis symposiums, and may be eligible for SPARK Research Scholar awards.
Location: Online/UC Davis
Program Dates: PDF submission by April, symposium in May
Cost: Free
Eligibility: Grades 9–12 worldwide
Deadline: April 1
Scholarships: $500+ awards
8. Genes in Space
Genes in Space invites U.S. students to propose DNA experiments for the ISS using miniPCR devices. Approximately 25 student teams receive biotech kits and mentorship. Winners attend Space Biology Camp and may see experiments launched into orbit.
Location: U.S.
Program Dates: January–April
Cost: Free
Eligibility: Grades 7–12 in the U.S.
Deadline: Early April
Scholarships: Camp and launch funding
9. Intel ISEF
Intel International Science & Engineering Fair is the largest STEM fair for high schoolers worldwide. Students qualify through affiliate fairs, then present judged research projects. A wide range of biotech fields are represented—alternative energy, genetics, neural engineering.
Location: U.S. (global entries)
Program Dates: May fair
Cost: Varies by affiliate fair
Eligibility: Grades 9–12 international
Deadline: Through regional fairs
Scholarships: Major awards, internships
With these 9 biotech competitions, high schoolers can experience amazing hands-on activities, such as engineering living organisms or launching a DNA experiment in space. Through mentoring, field applications, ways to present their work, and more, participants learn valuable lab skills, research skills, and communication skills, as well as STEM credentials. Many of the competitions are free, or provide financial support for applicants. Whether your interests are in molecular biology, environmental science, biotechnological advancements, or aerospace technology, these competitions can provide passion, career direction, and awesome stories for college and scholarship applications.
FAQs :
Do I need access to a laboratory in advance to participate in these programs?
It depends on the type of program. Some programs like Genes in Space, Google Science Fair, and Teen Biotech Challenge are particularly well suited for remote participation. However, programs like iGEM, Biogenius, and Regeneron STS generally require access to labs through mentors or hosted organizations.Which of these programs are available for international participation?
Some programs—the iGEM competition, Intel ISEF (through their affiliates), TIIM- Teen Biotech Challenge (open worldwide), and BIOTech Futures—are international programs. Genes in Space and Biogenius are regional programs, and Regeneron STS is primarily a US NSF program, but many international students can attend through an affiliated STEM fair.How long should I expect my commitment to take?
Most programs typically take a part time commitment of 3–6 months. Many programs take place between September and May, with time spent designing research, executing experimental procedures, collecting data, and preparing your presentation. Whether a program requires a heavy commitment for a lab—like iGEM, or Sanofi Biogenius—depends on program sponsor requirements. Other programs like Google Science Fair, are less structured and can provide flexibility with timelines.How does participation in these programs help college applications?
Participation in any of these programs highlights your initiative, research aptitude and student interest in the subject area. The level of success in programs(awards, published papers, mentions in science fairs), is impressive for students applying to universities with strong STEM programs. Many programs also offer awards or internships, exposure to networking opportunities, and all provide proof to the admissions committee that leadership and passion for biotechnical design solutions of challenges exists.
If you are a high school student pushing yourself to stand out in college applications, RISE Research offers a unique opportunity to work one-on-one with mentors from top universities around the world.
Through personalized guidance and independent research projects that can lead to prestigious publications, RISE Research helps you build a standout academic profile and develop skills that set you apart. With flexible program dates and global accessibility, ambitious students can apply year-round. To learn more about eligibility, costs, and how to get started, visit RISE Research’s official website and take your college preparation to the next level!
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